Compared to the Canon PowerShot G1

Over the next three pages we'll be comparing the 4 megapixel DSC-S85
with the best 3 megapixel (consumer) digital cameras. All shots were taken
of the same scene (from the same subject distance) within minutes of each
other. Obviously the S85 will have a resolution advantage over the 3 megapixel
digital cameras, but hopefully these comparisons will give you an idea
of how much that is and how well the S85 compares to them.

Cameras were reset to factory defaults. Aperture priority was used on
all cameras to use an aperture of F4.5 (or as close as possible), exposure
compensation of +0.3 EV was used. White balance was set to Auto. Lighting
- 2 x 800W studio lights with dichroic daylight filters bounced off a
white ceiling reflector.

Sony DSC-S85

Canon PowerShot
G1

ISO 100, F4.5, F1/10 sec

ISO 50, F4.5, 1/4 sec

In this comparison the S85 seems to have stronger "Sony colour",
the G1 erring on the side of caution and leaving most colours a little
pale (compared to the S85). Resolution is interesting, the S85 definitely
has the pixel advantage but the G1 puts up a good fight, most notable
comparison being the fan of lines on the Martini bottle. It's also clear
that Sony's default sharpening seems to be a little more aggressive than
the G1 which doesn't suffer from sharpening halos around dark details.